Binder/Notebook Instructions

Having a binder dedicated to U.S. Government and having it organized in a logical fashion will help serve you throughout this semester. An organized binder makes it easier to look up information quickly, study for tests, review your notes, look at past grades, etc. There will be periodic binder checks throughout the semester. Here is the required format for your binder:

1.) The binder will be dedicated solely for United States Government so make sure you keep your other course materials in other binders.

2.) Use at least a 1 ½” 3-ringed binder. Since the majority of your papers will be downloaded from the internet, you might want to print the papers back-to-back to save paper and space in your binder.

4.) Every paper you download or receive in class will receive a number. Write the number on each assignment, paper, etc. on the right-hand corner of the paper. Also, don’t forget to write your name, period and date.

5.) Download the Course Table of Contents (TOC) and always have it in front of your binder. The TOC will help you find things easier. Throughout the semester, you will need to update the TOC either by hand or periodically downloading an updated version.

6.) Your binder should have 7 tabbed dividers. Label each divider as follows:

Unit 1: Why Government/Federalism

Unit 2: Political Parties

Unit 3: Legislative Branch

Unit 4: Judicial Branch

Unit 5: Executive Branch

Current Events

Journal Entries

7.) keep items #1-#5 behind the TOC. After item #5 insert your Unit I divider. Place item #6 (Unit I Intro/Schedule) and all subsequent Unit I items after the Unit I divider.

8.) After each unit divider, place the appropriate Unit Intro/Schedule and subsequent papers behind it. Repeat for all of the units.